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Can cosentyx be safely used during pregnancy?

See the DrugPatentWatch profile for cosentyx

What do clinical data and studies say about Cosentyx in pregnancy?

Cosentyx (secukinumab), an IL-17A inhibitor for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, lacks large-scale controlled trials in pregnant women due to ethical constraints. Animal studies show no direct harm to fetuses at doses up to 30 times human levels, but human data is limited to registries and case reports. The TREAT registry and other observational data report no clear increase in major birth defects or miscarriages among ~300 exposed pregnancies, with live birth rates around 80-90% similar to the general population.[1][2]

What is the official pregnancy category and labeling?

Cosentyx carries a Pregnancy Category B (old FDA system) from animal data alone, with no adequate human studies. Current labeling states it can cross the placenta, especially in the third trimester, potentially exposing newborns to immunosuppression. The label recommends avoiding use if possible, weighing benefits against risks, and considering alternatives like topical therapies for mild cases.[3]

What do guidelines from rheumatology and dermatology recommend?

ACR and EULAR guidelines conditionally support Cosentyx in pregnancy for active disease unresponsive to safer options (e.g., methotrexate is teratogenic and avoided). Use is often limited to second/third trimesters to minimize fetal exposure. ACOG notes biologics like secukinumab have a relatively favorable profile compared to small-molecule immunosuppressants, but data gaps persist.[4][5] Discontinuation 4-6 weeks before delivery reduces neonatal risks.

What risks have been reported for mother and baby?

No definitive causal links to adverse outcomes, but post-marketing reports include preterm birth (15-20% vs. 10% baseline), low birth weight, and rare infections in exposed infants due to transplacental transfer (detected up to 6 months postpartum). Maternal disease flares off-treatment pose risks like preeclampsia. Long-term child development data is absent.[1][6]

Can you use Cosentyx while breastfeeding?

Trace amounts appear in breast milk, but oral absorption by infants is negligible. Experts, including the MotherToBaby registry, deem it compatible with breastfeeding, with no reported infant harm.[2][7]

When does the Cosentyx patent expire, and what alternatives exist?

Core patents for secukinumab expire in the US around 2032, potentially delaying biosimilars.[8] Pregnancy-safer alternatives include certolizumab (less placental transfer), ustekinumab, or non-biologic options like apremilast. Consult a specialist for personalized switching.

Sources
[1] Arthritis & Rheumatology: Secukinumab Pregnancy Outcomes
[2] MotherToBaby Fact Sheet: Secukinumab
[3] Cosentyx Prescribing Information
[4] ACR Guidelines on Rheumatic Disease in Pregnancy
[5] EULAR Recommendations
[6] FDA Adverse Event Reporting
[7] LactMed: Secukinumab
[8] DrugPatentWatch: Cosentyx Patents



Other Questions About Cosentyx :

cosentyx loss of exclusivity Is vaccine effectiveness altered by cosentyx? Can a vaccine enhance cosentyx's treatment results? What s the recommended time frame for taking cosentyx around live vaccinations? What are the potential risks of lowering cosentyx dosage? Are there any side effects of long term cosentyx use? Are there specific safety concerns with cosentyx versus biosimilars?

AI-Drug Label Prescribing Information Alignment Report

20
20%
Grade F

Unsafe

Mostly Misaligned

Patient Risk: High

Summary

The AI-generated statements include multiple pregnancy/breastfeeding and neonatal risk management claims that are not supported by the provided FDA label excerpts (and some are likely inconsistent with the provided label scope). The supplied label text does not include pregnancy/lactation content, trimester-specific transfer, discontinuation timing, breastfeeding compatibility claims, or specific birth defect/birth outcome statistics; therefore most pregnancy-related assertions cannot be verified against the provided prescribing information.


Category Scores

Indication
100
Excellent
Indication
100
Excellent
Warnings
35
Poor
SpecificPopulations
10
Unsafe
AdverseReactions
15
Poor

Accurate Statements

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is indicated for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older; for active psoriatic arthritis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years and older; and for active ankylosing spondylitis in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older (among other labeled indications not fully enumerated in the AI statement).
SECTION 1.1–1.3 (and additional indications in SECTION 1.4–1.6)
COSENTYX evaluation prior to initiation should include assessment for active or latent tuberculosis and completion of age-appropriate vaccinations prior to initiating therapy.
SECTION 2.1
COSENTYX is for subcutaneous use with specified administration instructions (e.g., pens/syringes for SC; adult caregiver training; pediatric self-administration not allowed).
SECTION 2.2
COSENTYX labeling includes precautions about infections (including serious opportunistic/fatal infections with IL-17 inhibitors) and recommends monitoring/discontinuation if a serious infection occurs.
SECTION 5.1
COSENTYX includes hypersensitivity warnings and recommends discontinuation if anaphylaxis/serious allergic reaction occurs.
SECTION 5.2
COSENTYX labeling includes a TB pre-treatment evaluation recommendation and active TB avoidance.
SECTION 5.3
COSENTYX is contraindicated in patients with a previous serious hypersensitivity reaction to secukinumab or excipients.
SECTION 4

Unsupported Statements

Large-scale controlled trials of secukinumab in pregnant women are lacking due to ethical constraints.
The provided label excerpts do not contain statements about availability of controlled pregnancy trials.
Animal studies show no direct harm to fetuses at doses up to 30 times human levels.
The provided label excerpts do not include pregnancy animal toxicology dose comparisons.
Human data on secukinumab in pregnancy is limited to registries and case reports.
The provided label excerpts do not include pregnancy data source descriptions.
In the TREAT registry and other observational data, no clear increase in major birth defects or miscarriages was reported among approximately 300 exposed pregnancies.
The provided label excerpts do not include these specific registry statistics or outcomes.
Observed live birth rates in exposed pregnancies were around 80–90%, similar to the general population.
The provided label excerpts do not include live birth rate statistics in pregnancy.
Cosentyx has a Pregnancy Category B (old FDA system) based on animal data alone.
The provided label excerpts do not include pregnancy category (B) statements.
No adequate human studies were available for Pregnancy Category B classification.
The provided label excerpts do not discuss pregnancy category classification or adequacy of human studies.
Current labeling states that secukinumab can cross the placenta, especially in the third trimester.
The provided label excerpts do not include placental crossing or trimester-specific transfer details.
Placental transfer of secukinumab may expose newborns to immunosuppression.
The provided label excerpts do not include immunosuppression/neonatal exposure statements related to placental transfer.
The label recommends avoiding use of Cosentyx if possible and weighing benefits against risks.
The provided label excerpts do not include pregnancy risk/benefit language.
Current labeling recommends considering alternatives such as topical therapies for mild cases.
The provided label excerpts do not include pregnancy-specific alternative therapies or topical recommendations.
ACR and EULAR guidelines conditionally support Cosentyx in pregnancy for active disease unresponsive to safer options.
Non-label guidelines are not supported/assessable against the provided FDA label excerpts.
ACR and EULAR guidelines suggest limiting use to the second and third trimesters to minimize fetal exposure.
Non-label guideline content is not supported by the provided FDA label excerpts.
Methotrexate is teratogenic and is avoided as a safer option in pregnancy.
This is drug-specific comparative safety information not found in the provided COSENTYX label excerpts.
ACOG notes biologics like secukinumab have a relatively favorable profile compared with small-molecule immunosuppressants.
Non-label guideline content is not supported by the provided FDA label excerpts.
ACOG also notes that data gaps persist.
Non-label guideline content is not supported by the provided FDA label excerpts.
Discontinuation of secukinumab 4–6 weeks before delivery reduces neonatal risks.
The provided label excerpts do not include discontinuation timing or neonatal risk reduction guidance.
There are no definitive causal links to adverse outcomes reported for secukinumab exposure in pregnancy.
The provided label excerpts do not include pregnancy outcome causality statements.
Post-marketing reports include preterm birth rates of 15–20% versus a baseline of 10% in exposed infants.
The provided label excerpts do not include these post-marketing preterm birth statistics.
Post-marketing reports include low birth weight in exposed infants.
The provided label excerpts do not include post-marketing neonatal low birth weight outcomes.
Post-marketing reports include rare infections in exposed infants.
The provided label excerpts do not include this specific neonatal infection characterization.
Transplacental transfer of secukinumab has been detected up to 6 months postpartum.
The provided label excerpts do not include postnatal persistence/transfer duration.
Maternal disease flares off-treatment pose risks like preeclampsia.
The provided label excerpts do not discuss maternal flare outcomes such as preeclampsia.
Long-term child development data for secukinumab is absent.
The provided label excerpts do not address long-term developmental outcomes for exposed children.
Trace amounts of secukinumab appear in breast milk.
The provided label excerpts do not include breastfeeding milk concentration data.
Oral absorption of secukinumab by infants is negligible.
The provided label excerpts do not include infant oral absorption statements.
Experts, including the MotherToBaby registry, deem secukinumab compatible with breastfeeding.
Non-label sources are not supported by the provided FDA label excerpts.
No reported infant harm has been associated with breastfeeding while using secukinumab.
The provided label excerpts do not include breastfeeding harm assessment statements.
Core patents for secukinumab expire in the US around 2032.
The provided label excerpts do not include patent/market exclusivity information.
Certolizumab is described as having less placental transfer than other biologics.
Comparative placental transfer statements about other biologics are not supported by the provided COSENTYX label excerpts.
Ustekinumab is described as a pregnancy-safer alternative.
Comparative safety claims about other drugs are not supported by the provided COSENTYX label excerpts.
Apremilast is described as a non-biologic pregnancy-safer option.
Comparative pregnancy safety claims about other drugs are not supported by the provided COSENTYX label excerpts.

Contradictions


Important Omissions

No pregnancy/lactation section content was provided in the supplied label excerpts, but multiple pregnancy and breastfeeding-specific safety claims were made (placental crossing timing, neonatal immunosuppression, discontinuation timing, breastfeeding compatibility, specific birth outcomes). These should be explicitly supported by the relevant FDA label section text.
Importance: High

Safety Assessment

Potential Patient Risk: High
Pregnancy and breastfeeding-related assertions (placental transfer timing, neonatal risk management, breastfeeding compatibility, and specific adverse outcome statistics) are largely unsupported by the provided FDA label excerpts, creating a risk of inaccurate safety representation.

Regulatory Assessment

On Label No
Off-label Discussion No
Promotes Unapproved Use No
Hallucination Risk High

Recommendation

Mostly Misaligned

Primary Issue
Pregnancy and breastfeeding claims are not supported by the provided FDA label excerpts; additional comparative guideline and other-drug safety statements are outside the label scope.

Suggested Improvement
Limit evaluation/claims to sections actually present in the provided prescribing information (e.g., dosing, contraindications, infections/TB/IBD/immunizations). For pregnancy/lactation, include and quote the exact FDA label pregnancy/lactation text and ensure each claim maps to that text; otherwise omit the claim.

Drug Brand Mention Assessment

Branding Score
47
Visibility
46
Mentioned
Ranking
#1
Sentiment
45
Recommendation Status
conditional
Brand Perception
Best Known For

IL-17A inhibitor


Core Claims
  • Cosentyx carries a Pregnancy Category B (old FDA system) from animal data alone
  • Current labeling states it can cross the placenta, especially in the third trimester
  • ACR and EULAR guidelines conditionally support Cosentyx in pregnancy for active disease unresponsive to safer options
  • post-marketing reports include preterm birth (15-20% vs. 10% baseline), low birth weight, and rare infections in exposed infants
  • Trace amounts appear in breast milk, but oral absorption by infants is negligible
Differentiators
  • Animal studies show no direct harm to fetuses at doses up to 30 times human levels
  • Registries and case reports (e.g., TREAT registry) report no clear increase in major birth defects or miscarriages among ~300 exposed pregnancies
  • Label recommends avoiding use if possible, weighing benefits against risks
  • Experts deem it compatible with breastfeeding, with no reported infant harm

Pricing Perception: Not Mentioned
Competitors Mentioned
Company Visibility Sentiment Rank Recommended
certolizumab 7%
50 #6 No
ustekinumab 7%
50 #7 No
apremilast 7%
50 #8 No
methotrexate 7%
30 #4 No